Bolton make case for survival

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Bolton 2-0 Sunderland:  El-Hadji Diouf delivered the perfect farewell present to Bolton with a superb first-half strike to inspire a 2-0 victory over Sunderland which has all but preserved the club's top-flight status.

The controversial Senegal striker - who recently declared he will quit the Trotters in the summer regardless of whether they survive relegation - fired home right-footed from a tight angle after collecting a deep cross from Kevin Nolan in the 42nd minute.

Sunderland substitute Daryl Murphy headed into his own goal with eight minutes remaining to secure a win which could be valued at around £50million - the price of Premier League status - and left manager Gary Megson punching the air in delight.

© 2008 ireland.com